eSIM and SIM-free are not opposites. SIM-free (unlocked) means the phone isn't tied to a network. eSIM is a SIM built into the phone. UK iPhones usually have a SIM tray and eSIM, but US models from the iPhone 14 up are eSIM-only, so check which you're buying.
If you're searching for a refurbished iPhone SIM free in the UK, the labels can be confusing. Some phones have no SIM slot at all. Some are locked to a network. This guide explains the terms in plain English, shows which iPhones have a SIM tray, and gives you a checklist for choosing a listing.
Take the 3-question test
|
Question |
If yes |
If no |
|---|---|---|
|
Does your network support eSIM on your plan? |
An eSIM-only iPhone will work for you. |
Choose an iPhone with a SIM tray. |
|
Do you swap a physical SIM between phones? |
Choose an iPhone with a SIM tray. |
Either type will do. |
|
Do you travel abroad or want two numbers on one phone? |
eSIM is a big plus. Most modern iPhones support it. |
You won't miss it, but it's still useful. |
What the words mean
|
Term |
What it means |
What to check |
|---|---|---|
|
SIM-free |
In UK shops it usually means a phone sold without a contract and not tied to one network. |
That the listing or seller says so. |
|
Unlocked |
The phone will accept a SIM from any network. |
Ask the seller to confirm, especially for older phones. |
|
Network-locked |
The phone only works with one network until it is unlocked. |
Ofcom banned selling new locked phones in December 2021, but older ones can still be locked. |
|
Physical SIM |
The small plastic nano-SIM that goes in a tray. |
A SIM tool in the box means the phone has a tray. |
|
eSIM |
A SIM built into the phone, activated with a QR code or from your network's app. |
That your network supports it on your plan. |
|
eSIM only |
A phone with no SIM tray. It only takes eSIMs. |
The listing title. Ours say "(eSIM ONLY)". |
Refurbished iPhone SIM free in the UK: what it should mean
A SIM-free refurbished iPhone should accept any UK network's SIM or eSIM, with no contract and no network lock. Since December 2021, Ofcom rules have stopped UK providers selling phones locked to their network. The catch is that a phone from before then could still be locked to its original network.
So always ask the seller to confirm. Our listings don't state network status, so if it matters to you, ask us before you order and we'll confirm the exact phone.
Which iPhones have a SIM tray?
Apple makes different versions of the same iPhone for different countries. In the UK, most models keep a nano-SIM tray and also support eSIM, which gives you dual SIM. The rule of thumb:
|
iPhone |
UK model |
US model |
|---|---|---|
|
iPhone XS, XR to 13 |
SIM tray plus eSIM |
SIM tray plus eSIM |
|
iPhone 14 to 16 |
SIM tray plus eSIM |
eSIM only |
|
iPhone 17 and 17 Pro |
SIM tray plus eSIM |
eSIM only (also Canada and Japan) |
|
iPhone Air |
eSIM only |
eSIM only |
Browse by model: iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and iPhone 12.
Do UK networks support eSIM?
Most do. Which? lists EE, giffgaff, iD Mobile, Lebara, O2, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Three and Vodafone as offering eSIM. Support can depend on your plan, so check yours before you buy an eSIM-only phone. Older guides list fewer networks, so don't rely on a page that isn't recent.
How to move your number to eSIM
-
Check that your network supports eSIM on your plan.
-
Open Settings, then Mobile Service.
-
Tap your number and choose Convert to eSIM, then follow the steps.
-
If your network works differently, it may send a QR code or ask you to use its app.
Menu names vary slightly between iOS versions. Moving an eSIM to a different phone also works differently on each network, so check how yours handles it before you switch.
How to choose a listing on our site
-
Look at the title. A listing marked "(eSIM ONLY)" has no SIM tray.
-
Check what's included. Our listings with a physical SIM tray list a SIM tool in the box.
-
Match it to your network. For an eSIM-only phone, confirm your plan supports eSIM first.
-
Check the grade. It sets the cosmetic standard and the battery floor. See our grading page.
-
Know your cover. Every iPhone is tested with a Blancco report, has a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns (conditions apply).
-
Not sure? Ask before you order.
Check compatible iPhone stock
Ready to look? Check compatible iPhone stock and filter by model. Stock moves quickly, and Klarna offers 0% interest over 3 months on listings, subject to eligibility.
eSIM vs SIM-free iPhone: FAQs
1. What is the difference between eSIM and SIM-free?
They are different things. eSIM is a type of SIM built into the phone, with no plastic card. SIM-free, also called unlocked, means the phone is not tied to one network. A phone can be SIM-free and use either a physical SIM or an eSIM.
2. Do UK iPhones have a physical SIM slot?
Yes, most do. Models sold in the UK generally have a nano-SIM tray plus eSIM. US-model iPhones from the iPhone 14 onwards are eSIM-only, and the iPhone Air is eSIM-only worldwide, so check the listing before you buy.
3. Can I use a US eSIM-only iPhone in the UK?
Yes, if the phone is unlocked and your UK network supports eSIM. Most major UK networks do, but support can vary by plan, so check with yours before ordering. You cannot use a physical SIM in an eSIM-only phone.
4. Which UK networks support eSIM?
According to Which?, most UK networks now offer eSIM, including EE, giffgaff, iD Mobile, Lebara, O2, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Three and Vodafone. Support can depend on your plan, so confirm with your network before you switch.
5. How do I switch my iPhone to eSIM?
On an eSIM-capable iPhone, open Settings, tap Mobile Service, tap your number and choose Convert to eSIM, then follow the steps. Some networks will send a QR code instead. Menu names can vary by iOS version, so check your network's guide.
6. Are refurbished iPhones from MacStore UK SIM-free?
Our listings do not state network status, so ask us about the exact phone before you order. Every iPhone is tested and certified with Blancco, graded, and covered by a 12-month warranty. Contact us if you need a specific SIM or unlock confirmation.
7. Is it illegal for UK networks to sell locked phones?
Since December 2021, Ofcom rules have stopped UK mobile providers selling phones locked to their network. An older phone could still be locked to its original network, so ask the seller to confirm, or ask the original network to unlock it.